Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo traces its roots back several decades to the height of the muscle car era, when Chevy sought to entice customers with a sporty, upscale rear-drive V8 coupe that provided a balance of performance and comfort in a stylish package. From those early years -- which included big-block SS (Super Sport) editions -- the Monte Carlo evolved toward a more luxury-oriented persona, saw significant downsizing (to optimize fuel efficiency) and soldiered on as a popular rear-drive sport coupe until 1988, when it was replaced by the Lumina coupe.

Following a lengthy hiatus, the Chevy Monte Carlo emerged once again in 1995. However, by then it had been softened and saddled with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines that barely hinted at the performance of years gone by. It was, in essence, a Lumina coupe.

The current-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe debuted in 2000 with more distinctive styling and updated underpinnings from the Impala sedan to better meet the needs of today's buyers. Significant changes in 2006 helped the Monte Carlo come nearly full circle back to its original mission with sportier chassis tuning, improved driving dynamics and more power in SS models, while freshened interior and exterior styling offer a sculpted and pleasing contemporary appearance. In spite of those updates, sales remained sluggish and the Monte Carlo was gone after the 2007 model year.

Although much improved in its latter years -- including a return to available V8 power in SS trim -- we feel that other performance sport coupe competitors like the Mustang offer a more satisfying choice as long as you don't mind giving up some interior room. In reviews, our editors felt that the Monte Carlo was primarily a comfortable cruiser more at home in the fast lane than on twisty mountain roads. If the latter is your preferred driving environment, you may want to consider other brighter, more focused alternatives.

Most Recent Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo received a major update for the 2006 model year and it remained a midsize two-door coupe that came in three trim levels: the base but reasonably well-equipped LS, the more upscale LT and the performance-oriented SS. Under the hood of LS and LT models is a 3.5-liter V6 with 211 horsepower, while the SS boasts a responsive 5.3-liter V8 with 303 hp. Impressive numbers, yes. But they would've been even better if they powered the rear wheels like Monte Carlos of years ago, especially in the case of the SS. A front-engine/rear-drive layout is typically preferable for optimum weight distribution and balanced handling, especially when the engine is a heavy V8.

Overall, this version of the Chevy Monte Carlo, which only lasted through '07, was a spacious sport coupe that offered buyers a reasonably good comfort/performance trade-off for a relatively low sticker price. Although quick in a straight line, the V8-equipped Monte Carlo SS suffers from a nose-heavy feel. If quick reflexes are on your wish list instead and you don't mind tighter passenger quarters, we suggest you consider a smaller but more nimble sport coupe, such as an Acura RSX or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Past Chevrolet Monte Carlo Models

Used-car shoppers interested in a late-model Monte Carlo will likely encounter the previous-generation model, which was available from the 2000-'05 model years. Based on the then-new Impala platform and wearing fresh, distinctive (some said ugly) sheet metal with heritage styling cues, the Monte Carlo was originally offered as an LS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine making 180 hp, or an SS with a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A driver side airbag -- as well as traction control and OnStar on SS models -- was added as standard safety equipment in 2001, and all models received four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry in 2003. In a bid to boost its performance image, Chevrolet added a 240-hp supercharged engine option for the SS in 2004.

Previous to this model, there was the Lumina-based Monte Carlo, which became available for the 1995 model year in LS or Z34 sport trim levels. Those wishing to hit the fast lane are advised to stick with the 210-hp 3.4-liter twincam V6 in the Z34. Detail improvements carried the Monte Carlo through the next several years, though only the most eagle-eyed used-car shoppers are likely to appreciate the differences.

User Reviews:

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  Never ever ever again - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By gene - March 23 - 4:30 pm

  This car is the biggest piece of junk! Soon as I got it I noted that water was leaking in from the firewall thanks to the cabin air filter being under the window wipers stupid location, hard to fix, impossible to replace a blown speaker in the back, blows fuses for back up lights regularly, horrible suspension and creaks over every bump and feels floaty, had to replace the driver side wheel hub assembly at 62,000 miles cant be left for over two days with out it being dead dude to electronic draw, exhaust rattles thanks to design, traction to sensitive, and kicks in at weird times. A horrible gm design and poorly engineered! No gm crap for me any more, reconsider if you want one

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  2006 2LT Monte Carlo - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 2LT - March 23 - 4:33 am

  I am very disappointed with my 2006 Monte Carlo purchase. The car is very uncomfortable, and the interior is very plain. My previous car was a 1998 Monte Carlo, and the interior in that model is much more elegant, and the seats were comfortable, unlike the 2006 model. I would never buy another Monte Carlo again, or a Chevy. There is much more I do not like about the car, but it’s too much to type.

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  My first car, worst car. - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By erigney - February 5 - 9:22 pm

  I bought this car myself with the money I had made from my first job. This wasnt even three years ago and I have probably paid for it twice in repairs. New timing chain. New spark plugs -twice. New spark wires- twice. New Catalytic Converter. Cleaned Muffler. New turn signal switch. Ect. This car has been nothing but heartache. I loved it to death at first, but its sucking me dry. Still trying to sell it.... Would not recommend.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - NO MORE GMS - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lastGM - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new - nothing but problems: ABS, Fuel leak under hood, transmission problems... I will NEVER buy another GM car.

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  where is the recall? - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By never again - December 28 - 12:06 am

  I bought my 99 Monte Carlo used with 22000 miles on it. It went good for 3 yrs and then antifreeze started leaking for the first time. Still under warranty, the dealership fixed the intake manifold gasket. GM knows they have a problem with the material the manifold is made of, it warps and antifreeze starts leaking. The car now has 170,000 miles and i just replaced the manifold gasket for the 4th time at about $450 each time. GM needs to own up to the issues they have with the cars they make. I wrote to them but received no response. I see so many issues they just ignore and that is no way to treat your customers! I for one will never buy a GM product again!!

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  Not all that it was hyped up to be. - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Gregbear1 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was a poor choice. It looked more exciting than it is.. Fit and finish are terrible and the non stop problems are becomming depressing. I knew I should have gone with the Altima instead. Live and learn!

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  what a joke..... - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Nismo 400R - January 21 - 10:00 am

  this is the most pathetic car i have ever driven in my life. problems.... Well where should i start. ABS system dos not work. brakes are soft. Engine gauges continuosly on. traction control sys. does not work. window on pass side does not work. car leaks on pass side (not from window.) From firewall or some where in there. carpet is soaked and probably is rusted out in floor board. if you buy a monte carlo i give you great sympathy. i hate this car and will never buy one again. maybe it is defective but i hate this car. if you are over 6ft tall like me you are screwed. this car has the quality of a honda civic

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  Never again, General Motors! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Charlie - January 24 - 4:56 pm

  I was excited when I bought this car after enduring a major life event that was health related. I had always had General Motors vehicles my entire life, both my parents worked for GM in Rochester, NY. The car had just under 95K miles when I purchased it. My first impression was the car having lots of pep and quite economical for being a good sized car. In the time I owned it (2 years), I have replaced all 4 rotors and brakes, the exhaust system (I replaced that with single exhaust, replacing the faux-duals would have costed a small fortune) and the rear parking brake linkage, which came apart. The 4 way flasher button on the dashboard broke and came apart. The high-beam switch doesnt click and keep them on high properly and periodically the dash will reset itself (as if starting the engine) in the middle of driving. The right front wheel sensor acts up when conditions are wet, which automatically disables the traction control. Topping it off, a week ago, I was returning home from running errands. I was exiting the expressway when I felt and heard a nasty vibration as I was coming to a stop. The cars transmission (4T65E) went, right then and there, at 108K miles. The car will now only move in reverse. Quite ironic, because I took a major step backward when I purchased this car. Too bad I didnt have a crystal ball. Its time to cut my losses. This coming week, I will be stepping into a Honda Civic. I cant wait! My Dad might spin in his grave, but GM cars have taken a major step back (or SIX) in quality over these last years. I dont plan on ever buying another one, Im done.